For immediate release - 25/10/01

LOCAL MP ‘DELIGHTED’ WITH PLANS FOR NEW RECEPTION PLACES FROM SEPTEMBER

After many months of lobbying the government and following discussions with local schools and parents, real progress appears to have been made by Tessa Jowell MP and Labour Lambeth in expanding primary school places in the Norwood area.

The full plans, subject to agreement by the school and governors, will involve expanding the successful and popular Julian's Primary School.

This good news means that, as well as Kingswood School having two extra reception classes, Julian’s will have an extra reception class from September. This was agreed in principle by Julian's at a meeting last Friday (22nd January). 

This information comes just in time for any local parents who are applying for reception places for the new school year starting in September - the deadline for applications is week’s time on Monday, 1^st February.

In the longer term, there is still a need for more places and a new school in the area.  Recognising the success of Julian’s, the local authority is proposing that this new school becomes part of Julian’s. These proposals are at an early stage and await a formal decision by Lambeth Council’s Cabinet.

Tessa Jowell MP said:

“This is exciting and timely news for local parents. After many months of discussions and lobbying I am so pleased that this solution now looks close to being delivered.

“I am delighted that we were able to convince the government to provide extra money to Lambeth for more primary school places. This will come as a relief to many parents. Lambeth have done a great job in bringing forward plans to expand places and I am delighted that the popular Julian's School has agreed to help this process. Local parents will be extremely grateful for that.”

West Norwood Councillor, Jackie Meldrum said:

“Families want local schools for local children. We have worked hard to find more primary school places to meet the unprecedented increase in demand from families in the streets west of Knights Hill. Expanding Julian’s school will be very good news for West Norwood.”

[ENDS]